Methods and systems for sound file creation

Abstract

In an aspect, provided are methods and systems for performing a series of acoustic tests in a variety of testing environments comprising several types of construction assemblies. Prior to performing each acoustic test, a plurality of audio parameters corresponding to a given construction assembly can be used to configure an electronic device that captures audio produced by the acoustic test with a microphone and stores the captured audio as a computer sound file. Further, an acoustic testing device can be used during the acoustic test to gather data indicative of a result of the acoustic test. The result can then be mapped, along with information related to the given construction assembly, to the computer sound file.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 687,644, filed on Jun. 20, 2018, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Noise is typically defined as unwanted sound. High noise levels worsen patient and staff outcomes in hospitals, hinder teaching and learning in schools, negatively impact productivity in offices, and disrupt living environments in homes, apartments, and condominiums. With flooring, one of the most abundant finishes in the built environment, the opportunity to positively influence the acoustical performance of a space is great. Different commercial floor coverings such as ceramic, wood, resilient / vinyl, carpet and textile composite flooring control sound differently. Harder materials such as ceramic, wood, and resilient / vinyl absorb little or no sound and have greater potential to transmit sound, contributing to a noisier environment. Softer materials such as carpet and tex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes methods and systems for performing acoustic tests on different types of construction assemblies. The tests involve using an electronic device to capture the audio produced by the acoustic test and store it as a computer sound file. The system also includes an impact source to generate noise and an acoustic testing device to determine the audio parameters associated with the noise. These parameters can be transmitted to the electronic device, which can capture the audio and store it as a sound file. The result can then be mapped to the sound file along with information related to the construction assembly. The technical effects of this patent include improved methods for testing the acoustic properties of construction assemblies and the ability to capture and analyze the audio associated with the testing process.

Problems solved by technology

High noise levels worsen patient and staff outcomes in hospitals, hinder teaching and learning in schools, negatively impact productivity in offices, and disrupt living environments in homes, apartments, and condominiums.

This is suitable for experts but is difficult for laypeople to interpret.

While audio recordings of the testing procedure are sometimes performed, existing methods and systems for recording and creating the sound files are often subpar, which leads to an imperfect reproduction of the results.

Consequently, it can be difficult to communicate the results of acoustical testing to homeowners, developers, purchasers, contractors, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, and a goal of the acoustic tests—to assist in building design and construction—is not met.

Images